Summary
Strategy games are often known for complex mechanics and difficult learning curves, but some are keener than others to hand players an easy victory. While there’s more than enough room for accessible, player-friendly experiences, some players may be looking for more immediately challenging gameplay.
These titles aren’t necessarily the most difficult, but they offer players experiences that rarely if ever hand players the win. Instead, victory must be earned through skill, knowledge,and pure trial and error. From the hardcore tactics ofQuasimorphto the steep learning curve ofDune: Spice Wars, there’s something here for all kinds of strategy game fan.
Quasimorphis not an easy experience,offering immediately challenging gameplaywith its brutal turn-based combat and hardcore survival mechanics. Its roguelike nature also ensures players face constant tension, and victory is rarely if ever achieved easily.
In addition,Quasimorphrarely cuts players a break; the sci-fi dungeon-crawls players are tasked with are entirely unafraid to outnumber the player, and there are numerous ways to perish cheaply. But players that exercise patience and learn from their mistakes will stand a better chance inQuasimorph’sgrim-dark world.
XCOM: Enemy Unknownisa turn-based strategy gamethat tasks players with fighting off an alien invasion. Managing small rag-tag squads of soldiers, players must consistently exercise strategic thinking in order to achieve victory.
Almost every action inXCOMis important, from threat assessment and target priority to tactical positioning. And there’s almost always a cost, a consequence. As a result, victory is rarely achieved easily inXCOM.
Battle Brothersis an open-world sandbox RPG that tasks players with managing a mercenary company ina harsh and hostile landscape. Its greatest strength, however, is its brutal turn-based combat, a system that frequently challenges the player and punishes mistakes with severity.
While some battles are smaller and generally easier to overcome than others, even the smallest skirmish inBattle Brotherscan result in severe injury and even death. Withstanding multiple encounters and making it to the end-game is rarely, if ever, achieved easily.
From the very start,Darkest Dungeonis a title that’s more thanlikely to offer great difficulty— especially for newcomers. Its permanent death mechanics and grueling dungeon-crawls create an almost oppressive gameplay loop, but one that can be tremendously addictive and often rewarding.
The combat itself can quickly get out of control, with a flow that swings in favor of both the enemies and the player. Status effects and a mechanic for stress ensure near-constant attrition, and this especially ensures players must often work to obtain victory.
Into The Breachis a firm but fair turn-based tactics game that excels with its generous use of open information. In the game, players control a small squad of mechs as they attempt to defend civilians and various objectives from an overwhelming alien invasion.
While decidedly tactical,Into The Breachtakes inspiration from puzzle games, including the ability to undo moves and reset turns. In combination with detailed telegraphing of enemy attacks,Into The Breachfacilitates player expression and experimentation to great effect. However, despite its fairness,Into The Breachis by no means an easy game; players can expect plenty of trial and error, and it’s entirely possible for players to back themselves into a corner they can’t escape from.
Dune: Spice Warsis a unique combination of 4X and RTS mechanics that won’t be for everyone. It’sa slow-burning experiencethat can take time to appreciate, but those who exercise patience will find a web of intricate systems underneath.
Gameplay is elevated further by thematic mechanics and incredibly distinct asymmetric factions. However, the complexity of the game’s design results in a steep learning curve. In addition, mistakes aren’t always immediately obvious, and players can be left in an unwinnable position later down the line. As a result, players must pay close attention to achieve victory.
Wildfrostisa roguelike deck-builderthat excels with its charming cartoon art-style, bursting with color and replete with whimsy. However, its gameplay is just as strong, offering combat that blends deck-building and tactics in equal measure.
While its gameplay is relatively accessible,Wildfrostrarely hands players an easy victory; the game is balanced in such a way that even powerful builds can be brought down by the smallest of mistakes. Thankfully, there’s a great deal of open information that allows players to make informed decisions. Though it can at times be easy to misread.
StarCraft 2is a fast-paced real-time strategy game that excels with its diverse asymmetric factions and truly expressive gameplay. Blending micro and macro management to great effect,StarCraft 2is able to facilitate deep and strategic thinking while remaining action-packed.
The game’s expressive and deeply customizable controls also allow players to play their own way, resulting in a truly rewarding strategy game. However, the sheer depth ofStarCraft 2and the speed of play at higher levels makes it tremendously competitive, and achieving victory is almost never easy; success requires patience, effort, and analysis in equal measure.
